Nova is exploding with strategy on Windows Phone [Video]

When it comes to games on Windows Phone we have quite a few puzzlers, lots of zombies and a plethora of tower games. But one area we sometimes overlook is the class strategy game—the one where every move counts and requires some thought akin to chess.

Nova by Jeffrey A. Voigt fits the bill nicely and for $0.99, it’s well worth the investment.

The game is premised on the idea of a galaxy and you control various stars to dominate. You can have anywhere from two to four players where you pass your device on to friends and family for turn taking or you can play against the computer (AI).

The game laid out with a grid representing the galaxy and you can either start a new star or “grow” current ones. Each star can grow three sizes after which they supernova, exploding their star bits to the adjacent boxes. If there are smaller, enemy stars nearby they get transformed to your color which is how you “conquer” the board.

Nova's graphics are certainly eye catching

The strategy is choosing to start a new star, grow current ones or explode your star while watching what you challenger is doing as well. From that standpoint, the game is quite challenging especially with the well done AI.

The game also has a very detailed tutorials which are a must for picking up strategy tips and learning the game’s UI. There are also “Challenges”--quick little games designed to test your skill e.g. “do this with only 2 moves”.

The graphics of the game are well done with bold, colorful design and the music is very subtle (perhaps too subtle).

Overall Nova is a fun game. Since it’s a strategy game, your $0.99 is well spent as you can’t ever really beat it—you can just play and get better and better. There’s a free trial should you want to take the game for a spin. We think you should.

Pick up Nova here in the Windows Phone Marketplace and check out the game’s website here.